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Introduction
The Vocation and Education unit of the ELCA and the ELCA
Center for Diaconal Ministry Preparation (located at the
Lutheran
Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Gettysburg,
 Pennsylvania, on behalf of the Eastern Cluster of
Lutheran Seminaries) co-sponsor the Diaconal Ministry Formation Event.
Successful completion of this event meets the formation event component
requirement for approval as a diaconal ministry candidate.
Components
A variety of learning and community building experiences will include
lectures, reading, writing, small group and individual reflection, field
trips to diaconal ministry sites and optional tutorials. Worship,
spiritual formation and community life are central to the experience.
The primary faculty members come from the Eastern Cluster of Lutheran
Seminaries. Guest lecturers and ecumenical guests are also involved.
There is time for relaxation and touring in the area during the weekend.
Purpose
The formation event is considered integral to the preparation of
diaconal ministry candidates. Ideally the formation event precedes
seminary study and will assist the candidate in shaping their course of
study and field experience. Candidates will:
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Study and explore the biblical,
theological, historical and ecumenical roots and expressions of diaconal
ministry;
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Examine current diaconal approaches and models for ministry in a
variety of settings through study and contextual site visits;
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Gain deeper understandings of Lutheran theology as it relates to all
forms of ministry, call and ecclesiology; [and]
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Develop spiritual insights and disciplines for
active ministry through worship, prayer and group
processes designed for spiritual formation,
development of community and mutual vision for
diaconal ministry (accepted by the Board of the Division for Ministry, Oct. 22-25, 1995).
Requirements
Positive Entrance
A positive entrance decision from a synod candidacy
committee is required prior to attendance at the formation event.
However, an application to attend the 2008 Diaconal Ministry Formation
Event may be submitted prior to an Entrance Interview. The Vocation and
Education unit and the ELCA Center for Diaconal Ministry must receive a copy
of a positive Entrance Decision prior to a participant's arrival at the
formation event. Currently rostered associates in ministry or pastors
must apply as a candidate for diaconal ministry.
Residence
All participants are in residence at Lutheran Theological
Seminary at Gettysburg for housing and meals during the two-week event
and attend all components.
Participation
Participation in the entire event is required. Plan for
complete focus on the event; personal business or work assignments will
be difficult to accomplish.
Reading
A pre-event required reading list will be sent to all
applicants with registration forms.
Academic Credit
Participants may earn three academic graduate semester credit hours from
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. To receive credit, a 15 -
25 page paper is required following the completion of the event. This
paper is due by September 1, 2008. Specific information regarding this
paper will be sent with registration materials in May.
Expenses
Tuition for the event will not exceed $1,500 for those receiving only the
certificate of attendance and $2,200 for those receiving the certificate
and academic credit. Room and board is $500. Travel and books are
additional. A $100 non-refundable registration fee (applied toward
tuition) must be submitted with the separate registration forms by June
1, 2008.
In summary costs for the candidate participating in the 2008
Diaconal Ministry Formation Event for
the: Certificate of attendance $1,500 + room and board $500 = $2,000.
Academic credit $2,200 + room and board $500 = $2,700.
Those enrolled in a seminary or academic institution should check with
their financial aid office about financial assistance (formation event
costs may be included in a student's annual budget).
Travel
Transportation arrangements to Lutheran Theological Seminary at
Gettysburg are provided from Baltimore Washington International Airport
(BWI) for those arriving Saturday or before noon Sunday.
Transportation from Gettysburg to BWI is provided on Friday
following the last activity of the event. Scheduled flight departure
must be after 3 p.m.
A travel equalization fund is available. Any participant whose travel
expense exceeds $200 is eligible for up to $250 in travel equalization
funds. Applications for travel equalization are available during the
formation event - please bring a copy of your ticket receipt. Car
mileage requests are computed at 32 cents per mile or the equivalent
flight rate whichever is lower.
Application
Completion of a DMFE application is not an acceptance of participation
agreement or final registration form. Registration forms are mailed the
first week in May to DMFE applicants. All registration forms relating to
this event must be completed and returned prior to June 1, 2008.
Download the application.
Note: The application is in Formatta Filler format. Please
click here if you
need to download this free software program.
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MAY 1, 2008 |
